President Asif Ali Zardari met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha on Wednesday, offering to expand cooperation in defence and defence production between Pakistan and Qatar. The Qatari emir welcomed the proposal and directed his officials to begin formal discussions immediately, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from November 4 to 6. President Zardari is representing Pakistan at the event. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ historic ties and shared aspirations for regional peace, prosperity, and unity among Muslim nations.
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During the discussion, Sheikh Tamim expressed satisfaction over the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia mutual defence pact, calling it a “timely and important step.” He noted Pakistan’s strategic ability to maintain balanced relations with China, the West, and Gulf states. The emir also voiced hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would resolve their border tensions soon, adding that Qatar remains ready to mediate.
President Zardari thanked the Qatari leadership for supporting Pakistan’s development and humanitarian causes. He proposed enhancing cooperation in agriculture, food security, and investment, while also commending Qatar’s growing role as a hub for diplomacy and dialogue. He praised the country’s advocacy for a ceasefire and relief efforts in Gaza, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar amid regional instability.
The president also invited the Qatari emir to visit Pakistan early next year, an invitation Sheikh Tamim accepted. Zardari was accompanied by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari. Earlier in Doha, the president also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, reaffirming Pakistan’s “iron brotherhood” with China and commitment to advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into its second phase of development.